Working Girl

Working Girl

Year: 1988

Runtime: 113 min

Language: English

Director: Mike Nichols

DramaComedyRomance

A resourceful New York City receptionist, Tess McGill, finds her ambitions stifled by a manipulative boss, Katharine Parker. When Katharine is temporarily incapacitated, Tess seizes an opportunity, impersonating her to pursue a major deal with a charismatic investor, Jack Trainer. As Tess navigates the corporate world and a growing attraction to Jack, she must confront the risks of her deception and fight for recognition in her own right.

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Timeline & Setting – Working Girl (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Working Girl (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in the late 1980s, a period marked by significant cultural shifts and the rise of women in the workforce. This era saw increased attention towards gender equality and women's rights in the business domain, influencing characters like Tess in their struggles for recognition and success.

Location

Manhattan, Trask Industries

Manhattan is a bustling and iconic city known as a major financial and cultural center. The film prominently features locations within the city, showcasing its determination and ambition through the corporate landscape that Tess navigates. Trask Industries represents the pinnacle of corporate success in the movie, embodying the opportunities and challenges in the professional world.

🌆 City 🏢 Business

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Main Characters – Working Girl (1988)

Meet the key characters of Working Girl (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Tess McGill

Tess McGill is a hardworking and ambitious secretary who dreams of rising up the corporate ladder. She is resourceful, determined, and unafraid to confront the challenges she faces in her personal and professional life. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment showcases her resilience in a male-dominated business world.

👩‍💼 Ambitious 💪 Resilient

Katharine Parker

Katharine Parker is a stylish and savvy mergers executive who initially serves as Tess's boss. Though she appears supportive at first, her betrayal introduces complexities into Tess's journey. Her character embodies both the potential for female mentorship and the struggles of competition among women in business.

💼 Boss 🔥 Ambitious

Mick

Mick is Tess's indifferent boyfriend who represents her past struggles and lack of support as she pursues her career. His lack of ambition and eventual betrayal reinforces Tess's resolve to move beyond toxic relationships and focus on her career aspirations.

💔 Indifferent 🚶‍♂️ Toxic

Jack Trainer

Jack Trainer is a key figure in Tess's career advancement, serving as both a romantic interest and professional ally. His character represents a more supportive male presence, contrasting with Tess's earlier experiences, and highlights the theme of partnership in achieving success.

❤️ Supportive 🥂 Ally

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Major Themes – Working Girl (1988)

Explore the central themes of Working Girl (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💼 Ambition

The theme of ambition is central to Tess's journey as she navigates the corporate world. Her determination to rise above her secretarial role and prove herself highlights the challenges faced by women striving to break the glass ceiling. Through various trials, Tess's ambitions drive her to take bold steps towards achieving her dreams.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a recurring theme as Tess navigates her complicated relationships, especially with Katharine and her boyfriend, Mick. The deception she faces from those she trusts forces Tess to reassess her values and fight for her aspirations, ultimately leading to personal growth and empowerment.

👩‍💼 Female Empowerment

The film emphasizes female empowerment through Tess's evolution from a secretary to a confident businesswoman. It illustrates the struggles women encounter in male-dominated environments while celebrating their resilience and capability to succeed. Tess's journey is an inspiring narrative of breaking away from limitations set by society.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:52

Unlock the Full Story of Working Girl

Don't stop at just watching — explore Working Girl in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Working Girl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Working Girl Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Working Girl, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Working Girl Summary

Working Girl Timeline

Track the full timeline of Working Girl with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Working Girl Timeline

More About Working Girl

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Working Girl: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Working Girl

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